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Almost 10 years ago the consortium of the EPA, University of Michigan, Ford, Parker Hannefin and some others predicted some amazing numbers for fuel economy in vehicles. I have posted that document here before.
Their precitions included an 80% increase in economy through powertrain improvements, with all other improvements combined for a total 120% improvement.
They also predicted that a class 2 truck with a GVW of close to 10,000 pounds would achieve 58 MPG. I have the chart that breaks down the stages of improvement.
The date those predictions were supposed to be in place is NOW.
I have my own favorite powertrain configuration, where the transmission replaces friction brakes completely, the exception of the emergency brake, but it will be a while before a functional example is built.
The original post title is provocative. Extreme techniques, combined with very low average speeds, about half of my own, will always produce exceptionally high MPG averages. Where you live can make a huge difference. That's great for those who are in that situation, which is not and never will be my own. Mag Pearl is number 36 close to the top 10%. Only 9 of the 35 higher vehicles are less than 14 years old, and some of them are models never sold in the US.
The gap is closing. My Fiesta's automated manual transmission is one pathway to the future of shiftless driving, My dream is another. Only time will tell which one prevails, but when all the factors are combined with the capability of the vehicle to anticipate where it is going and when it must stop the automated choice will prevail.
regards
Mech
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